Action group fights housing development

A NEW action group is urging villagers to unite to fight a proposed housing development on “green” land near Warrington
CARE – Campaign Against Ruining Our Environment – has been set up at Appleton Thorn to oppose proposals for up to 90 homes on farm land in Stretton Road, opposite the village hall.
They already have more than 100 names on a petition opposing the scheme put forward by Bloor Homes and they are urging villagers to turn up on the car park at the Thorn Inn on Saturday, September 6 to show their support for the campaign.
Appleton Parish Council is to hold a “surgery” in the pub at 10am when residents will be able to talk to councillors.
CARE is also urging residents to attend the next full meeting of the parish council at Appleton Village Hall on September 16 at 7.30pm.
In a statement, the group stress that the housing scheme is “not a done deal.” No planning application has been submitted as yet.
They say there are various technical aspects to the proposals which can be challenged, in connection with traffic, child safety, timing, etc.
Bloor Homes say 30 per cent of the houses will be allocated as “affordable homes” but CARE says these will not be available to the children of villagers but for rented and social housing.
This means the whole character of the village to be changed for generations to come.
They also warn that land at the rear of Thorn Cross Prison has been sold for development – meaning that it is vital to preserve the Stretton Road site as a green space.